Personal development workshop free to all

Sunnyside Transformation Yakima Valley, also known as Transformation Sunnyside, will be hosting a special workshop on Friday, March 23.

So that community members might learn what the workshop entails, there will be four 30-minute informational sessions about the event tomorrow (Friday), March 16, at the Sunnyside Department of Social and Health Services office located at the Mid Valley Mall.

The sessions begin at 10 a.m. The final session is at 11:30 a.m.

The sessions are free, as is the March 23 workshop.

The workshop will be presented by Kenneth Sauby. He will be assisting those in attendance with personal development by using tools that assess an individual's character strengths.

Sunnyside Transformation Yakima Valley Director Roberto Matus said those attending the workshop will read a short book, take an online evaluation and have the opportunity to learn how their strengths can benefit them.

Sarahi Bravo works with Matus and has participated in such a workshop.

"I really like the evaluation because I learned more about myself, who I am and my value as a person," she said.

Bravo said she didn't understand her desire to be involved in community activities and events before taking the assessment.

After the assessment, she was able to further her personal success as a developer because she better understood what drives her.

Matus said Bravo's strengths make her a great event organizer. That is one reason he asked her to work with Sunnyside Transformation Yakima Valley.

"She is able to use her strengths as a developer to help others grow and she enjoys passing on knowledge," he said.

Matus added, "I can present an idea to Sarahi and she will run with it."

Bravo said, "It's fun knowing my strengths because it provides me the ability to help others and gives me insight for further development."

Matus said the tool of knowing the strengths of an individual can also help employers and parents. It provides a greater understanding of employees and family members.

That understanding, he said, can lead parents to developing the strengths in their children. Employers, he said, can assign employees responsibilities that fit their personal strengths.

"A person who enjoys interacting with others, for instance, doesn't belong in a lonely corner of the office...they aren't as happy and productive as they would be if they were using their strengths," said Matus.

He said, "Happy employees are more productive."

Matus said the March 23 workshop is a tool that can benefit anyone and he knows of numerous community members who have been interested in taking advantage of such an opportunity.

"But, it usually costs money and we are providing it for free to benefit the community," he said.

Those interested in participating in the workshop are urged to do so. It takes place next Friday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sunnyside DSHS office, located at the Mid Valley Mall.